1/11/96
Disability Services Minister and Greenough MLA Kevin Minson said a $49,300 grant to Geraldton Regional Hospital for aids and equipment would enhance the quality of life for local people with long term and permanent disabilities.
A total of $1.45 million has been provided to 17 country and metropolitan hospitals as part of the Government's multi-million dollar ‘Count Us In' strategy.
Mr Minson said the money would be used to buy equipment such as wheelchairs, hoists, splints and shower chairs and for certain home modifications.
"These funds will go a long way towards enhancing the quality of life for many people with disabilities and for their carers, and will be used specifically for items which promote a greater degree of independence in the community," he said.
The Minister said a further $1 million would also be provided this financial year to address the funding imbalance between the metropolitan area and the country, and would be directed to unfunded regional hospitals and to top up under-funded hospitals.
"We are doing all we can to ensure that people with disabilities in country regions are not disadvantaged and, wherever possible, have access to the same services and support networks found in the metropolitan area," he said.
"This grant is a significant boost to services for people with disabilities in the Geraldton region."
Media contact: Caroline Lacy 222 9211
